A new method for the prediction of cervical node metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: a combination of Martínez-Gimeno Scoring System and clinical palpation.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Evaluation of the accuracy of palpation, CT scan and Martínez-Gimeno Score System in the assessment of neck nodes metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. DESIGN: This is a prospective triple blind study performed in 40 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. PATIENTS 40 consecutive patients suffering primary oral squamous cell carcinoma, without any treatment before surgery, palpation or CT Scan. RESULTS: 40% of the cases showed metastasis in pathological study. Sensitivity was 100%, 94% and 75% for MGSS 13, CT scan and palpation, respectively. Specificity was 83%, 38% and 25-50% for palpation, CT scan and MGSS 13-17, respectively. Negative predictive result values were 100%, 90% and 83% for MGSS 13, CT Scan and palpation. The logistic regression analysis showed an independent predictor factor for palpation (p=0.001) and MGSS (p=0.01). The combination of MGSS and clinical palpation allowed a new design for evaluating neck metastasis in oral cancer. This method establishes 3 different groups at risk 3 of very low (<2%), 2 of low risk (18-27%) and 1 of high risk (85%). CONCLUSIONS: MGSS predicts metastasis better than CT scan and palpation. Combination of MGSS and palpation improves the prediction of metastasis.